Skyscanner, a global leader in travel technology, has released its “Travel Trends 2026” report, identifying seven pivotal trends that will influence traveler behavior next year. This report underscores the evolving nature of travel, emphasizing that upcoming trips will be tailored more closely to individual identities and preferences.
As living costs take center stage, travel in 2026 will be designed with intention, reflecting personal passions and a sense of what is worthwhile. According to Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, “The Travel Trends 2026 report illustrates how travel will become more personal than ever. Whether planning around a must-visit hotel, immersing oneself in a favorite book during a reading retreat, or including beauty routines in the itinerary, trips will be more customized, realistic, and unique.”
The report merges Skyscanner”s data with global market research and insights from well-known brands such as Reddit, Malin and Goetz, All Trails, and Penguin Books to outline these seven defining travel trends for 2026:
Beauty Lovers
Beauty rituals will shape travel experiences, influencing not just destinations but how journeys are undertaken. A notable 33% of global travelers express a desire to explore local beauty cultures, with 20% admitting they are swayed by platforms like TikTok and social media. In 2026, skincare and beauty routines will extend beyond social media to become tangible travel habits, from onboard skincare routines to visits to iconic local beauty shops for cult products.
True Local Flavor
The rise of culinary tourism is shifting dining from traditional restaurant bookings to supermarket safaris. An impressive 35% of travelers plan to shop at local supermarkets during their vacations. “Eating like a local” now includes exploring snack aisles, showcasing experiences from Tokyo”s vending machines to Iceland”s geothermal bread. This trend blends cultural immersion with affordability, offering a unique glimpse into local life.
High Altitude Escapes
From snowy peaks to serene retreats, travelers are increasingly seeking mountain getaways year-round. Over three-quarters (76%) of global travelers are considering a mountain escape for the summer or fall of 2026. Whether for skiing or tranquility, individuals are drawn to higher terrains, with destinations like the Dolomites, Annapurna, and the Canadian Rockies attracting visitors seeking peace outside peak seasons.
Novel Getaways
Travel inspired by literature is gaining traction, with more than half (57%) of travelers having booked or considering a literary-themed trip. Whether tracing the footsteps of fictional heroes or planning a quiet vacation centered around reading retreats, literature and travel are intertwined as means of escape and reconnection. The use of Skyscanner”s “library” filter for hotel bookings has surged by 70% year-over-year.
Traveling for Love
Meeting compatible people while traveling is on the rise, with 55% of travelers having traveled or considering travel abroad to meet new friends or potential partners. As dating habits evolve and casual socializing becomes more popular, many travelers are opting for experiences that foster connections, with hotel bookings filtered by “single” seeing an 83% year-over-year increase.
Family Vacations
Multigenerational travel is booming, with 31% of travelers planning family trips, including those spanning generations. These journeys are not only about shared expenses but also about creating lasting memories among parents, children, and grandparents. As budget considerations come into play, families, especially younger generations, are getting creative about how and where they travel.
Transportive Stays
Accommodations are becoming central to travel decisions, with 29% of travelers choosing lodging as a key element of their experience. Nowadays, hotels are not merely places to sleep; they are destinations in their own right. With stunning architecture, immersive designs, and unique atmospheres, travelers prioritize distinctive stays. As younger travelers, inspired by their social networks, fuel a fascination with unconventional lodging, the concept of “traveling the world” is being redefined.
The future of travel is characterized by thoughtful, deliberate choices, with 84% of respondents indicating they will travel abroad as much or more in 2026 than in 2025. Travelers will recalibrate their budgets to accommodate more enriching experiences. The evolution of artificial intelligence in travel is shifting from mere assistance to becoming a key player in addressing complex traveler needs. Social media and searches are now the favored tools for inspiration, shaping how individuals discover and plan their journeys.
For further insights on the Travel Trends 2026 report, please visit Skyscanner”s website.
About Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a global leader in travel, enabling travelers to plan and book their journeys with ease and confidence. Monthly, Skyscanner connects millions of travelers across 52 countries and 37 languages with over 1,200 trusted travel partners to find flight, hotel, and car rental options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner operates worldwide with a focus on traveler-centric innovations driven by data and insight.
